Coronavirus Impact On Movies: Universal Pictures Releasing 'The Hunt,' 'Trolls World Tour' And Others Early On Digital

Universal Pictures said it will be making several new theatrical releases available immediately on digital platforms due to the spread of coronavirus.

The studio said Monday it would be releasing several new films from its primary label, arthouse Focus Features, and Dreamworks Animation, on digital starting Friday. “The Invisible Man,” “The Hunt,” and “Emma,” all of which are still in theaters, will be available to rent on Amazon, Sky, Apple, and Comcast for $19.99 for 48 hours.

“Trolls World Tour” will be the fourth film released digitally on its original theatrical release date of April 10.

“Given the rapidly evolving and unprecedented changes to consumers' daily lives during this difficult time, the company felt that now was the right time to provide this option in the home as well as in theaters,” Universal said in a statement. “NBCUniversal will continue to evaluate the environment as conditions evolve and will determine the best distribution strategy in each market when the current unique situation changes.”

Variety’s Andrew Wallenstein also said the COVID-19 crisis could open the door to Hollywood reconsidering the “antiquated” theatrical-to-home release structure.

“If the studios believe they’re going to be fine simply rescheduling all the postponed movies to late 2020 and beyond in the same release pattern they’ve always enjoyed–a rude awakening is coming,” Wallenstein said. “These postponed movies should be the first to experiment with new distribution schemes. Day-and-date is probably a non-starter, so aim for more realistic 15- to 30-day lags between theaters and homes at varying price points.”

Universal’s decision comes after the North American weekend box office sales hit a 20-year low. The weekend total was just over $55 million, with Universal’s “The Hunt” accounting for $5.3 million.

Not all of Universal’s films will be getting the early release treatment, though. “Fast & Furious 9,” arguably the studio’s biggest film of the year, is still set for a theatrical release on April 2, 2021, after being delayed a year because of the coronavirus.